Is Bariloche safe for travelers?
Bariloche is among the safer destinations in Latin America. The US State Dept advises "Exercise Normal Precautions" for Argentina overall, though city-level conditions here are generally more favourable than the country average.
What the sources say
Bariloche scores Safe. This Andean lake resort and ski destination is one of the safest cities on this list. All three advisories cover Bariloche under Argentina's general framework, but note no specific concerns for the Patagonian lake district. Tourism-dependent economy and affluent visitor base create a very low crime environment.
Petty theft — the dominant crime throughout Argentina — occurs at low frequency. There are no meaningful violent crime concerns for visitors.
Bariloche is appropriate for fully independent travel. The lakeside centre, ski resorts (Cerro Catedral), and trekking in Nahuel Huapi national park are all accessible without elevated precautions. This is the most relaxed risk environment on this list after Punta Cana.
Official statistics
- SNIC Argentina — homicidios dolosos en Río Negro (nivel provincial): 2025: 25; 2024: 33; 2023: 27; 2022: 20; 2021: 26; 2020: 37. Fuente: Sistema Nacional de Información Criminal, MJyDDHH Argentina.
- World Bank / UNODC — national intentional homicide rate for Argentina: 2023: 4.5/100k; 2022: 4.3/100k; 2021: 4.6/100k; 2020: 5.4/100k. Note: this is a country-level rate, not city-specific. Source: World Bank Open Data (VC.IHR.PSRC.P5), compiled from UNODC Crime Trends Survey.
Common questions
Is Bariloche safe for tourists?
Bariloche is generally considered safe for tourists by most major travel advisories. Standard urban precautions — keeping valuables out of sight and being aware of your surroundings — are sufficient for most visitors.
Is Bariloche safe at night?
Bariloche is generally walkable at night in its central and tourist areas. As with any city, exercise normal caution and avoid isolated or poorly-lit streets late at night.
What are the main safety risks for visitors to Bariloche?
The primary risks for visitors to Bariloche are opportunistic theft, phone snatching, and pickpocketing in crowded areas. Argentina authorities note petty crime in tourist areas.
Sources consulted
- Australia DFAT Smartraveller — Safety
- US State Department Travel Advisory
- UK FCDO Travel Advice — Safety and Security
- Canada DFATD Travel Advice
- SNIC — Sistema Nacional de Información Criminal (Río Negro)
- World Bank — Intentional Homicides per 100k (Argentina)
- Editorial travel-safety synthesis (US State Dept advisories, OSAC, Numbeo)